Legislation brings village authorities into urban planning framework, reserves land for public use, and sets new rules on working hours, leave, and employee welfare across commercial establishments.
Kohima, Nagaland – The Nagaland Legislative Assembly on March 10 cleared two key pieces of legislation aimed at strengthening urban governance and regulating working conditions in commercial establishments.
The House adopted the Nagaland Town and Country Planning (Fifth Amendment) Bill, 2025, which formally brings village authorities into the state’s town planning framework. The amendment clarifies that a “Town Planning Scheme” refers to a layout plan prepared under a master plan or peri‑urban plan, detailing land use and development within a specified zone.
Under the new law, village authorities located in notified planning areas will be treated as local authorities, giving traditional institutions a formal role in shaping urban and peri‑urban growth. The legislation also requires that 20 to 30 per cent of land in any scheme be reserved for public purposes such as roads, schools, hospitals, parks and civic infrastructure. In addition, the state government must appoint a qualified officer within a month of approving a scheme to oversee its preparation and implementation.
The Assembly also passed the Nagaland Shops and Establishments (First Amendment) Bill, 2025. The law sets limits on working hours, capping them at 10 hours a day and 48 hours a week, with overtime permitted at double wages within prescribed limits. It mandates weekly holidays and provides for 16 days of privilege leave after a year of service, along with 12 days each of medical and casual leave.
Initially, the legislation will apply to areas under Town Committees formed under the Naga Hills District (Constitution of Town Committee) Rules, 1954, and will later be extended to other parts of the state. Most compliance provisions will apply to establishments employing 20 or more workers.
Speaker Sharingain Longkumer put both bills to a vote after no member sought clarifications, and the House adopted them unanimously.
